British paper raves about Oslo's outdoors

The British newspaper The Daily Mail raves about Oslo's cross-country ski opportunities in an article about the Norwegian capital's easily accessible outdoors.

"Galleries, museums, diverse food and interesting historical buildings can be found in many big European cities, but how many of them can you ski in?" asks the journalist in an edition of the Daily Mail last week.

The article is about "marka," a large forest area that surrounds Oslo, and its accessible cross-country trails.

To many of the Daily Mail's readers, skiing is often only associated with downhill skiing. The journalist, however, writes about her own experience as a novice cross-country skier, and that the sport is not as boring as it may seem.

However, it does require a certain skill level, the journalist reports, and explains that the right movements are key. "It's like salsa, it's all in the hips."

The article also talks about Norwegian traditions associated with the cross-country experience, such as barbequing hot dogs by an open bonfire in the outdoors, or skiing on lit trails after dark.

As for "aprés ski" activities, The Daily Mail recommends the Opera House, the Vigeland Park and the Munch Museum.